FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN to the Big Island of Hawaii and taken a snorkeling tour, it is
likely that adventure was with Fair Wind Cruises out of Kona Harbor. This family-run
business is celebrating 40 years this month, and owner Mendy Dant, a seasoned water-woman, is offering a few below-the-surface tips. MIMI TO WLE
CLEAN THE MASK

If new, the snorkel mask can first be cleaned by rubbing toothpaste on the inside to elimi-nate any film residue left from the manufacturer. Before each use, a light solution of waterand baby shampoo can be used to reduce the chance of fogging. Once finished snorkeling,soak the mask in a disinfectant and air dry.

FIND THE RARE FISH

Minimize body movement while in the water. Be patient and float on the surface while
keeping your eyes open for what may appear from within the reef’s nooks and cran-nies. Keep in mind that many of the sea’s creatures are masters of disguise, with only a
twist of a tail or a flash of a gill to give them away.

AVOID SEASICKNESS

Avoid eating fatty foods before you head out on the boat; instead choose bananas, whole
grains or yogurt. Over-the-counter drugs like Dramamine and Bonine can help some
people. Another trick is to play the game of distraction — don’t focus on not feeling well. If
you start to feel woozy, change it up by striking up a conversation with someone or looking
at the horizon.

Fueled entirely by volunteers and funded by
donations and proceeds from special events,
the nonprofit Sausalito Sister City programs
are active and energized, promoting a vision
of global unity. As the international sister city
program celebrates its 60th anniversary this
year, the timing of winning an International
Best Overall Sister City Award for cities with
a population of less than 25,000 couldn’t be
better. sausalitosistercities.org CHER YL POPP

CASCAIS, POR TUGAL

Not resting on its laurels,
Sausalito established this
sister city partnership
in 2013. For the second
year, student sailors from
the Sausalito Yacht Club and Clube Naval de
Cascais will be racing together in an international youth sailing exchange program that
alternates between both cities.

SAKAIDE, JAPAN

The Sausalito Sakaide,Japan (SAK), sister cityprogram sponsors arobust student exchangeprogram that has beenthriving for 28 years. The program hasexpanded to include a teacher exchange aswell as an artist exchange — and this yearan artist from Sakaide will participate in theSausalito Art Festival.

VIÑA DEL MAR, CHILE

This program began
in 1960, with Viña del
Mar Park in the center
of Sausalito named in
recognition of the program that same year.

The program is currently focused on mentoring entrepreneurial businesswomen and
exchanging marketing, communication and
leadership expertise.